Executive Search Researcher - Financial Leadership

Sustain Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global executive search firm in London is looking for an experienced Executive Search Researcher. The role involves delivering high-impact searches for senior financial leadership across various sectors. Responsibilities include designing research strategies and conducting market assessments. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in executive search, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of the aviation, private equity, FMCG, life sciences, or transportation sectors. This position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Unlimited holiday allowance

Flexible working model

Performance-based bonus

Autonomy and trust

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience within a retained executive search research function.
• Proven delivery of senior financial leadership searches (VP to C-suite).
• Sector exposure to Aviation, Private Equity, FMCG, Life Sciences, or Transportation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute global research strategies for executive search.
• Deliver end-to-end searches for senior financial leadership roles.
• Conduct market mapping and organisational analysis.

Skills

Experience in executive search

Strong analytical capability

Relationship building

Commercial awareness

Job description

London | Global Executive Search Firm | Hybrid Working

Base Salary: £50,000 - £70,000+ (DOE)

Bonus: Up to 20%

"Applicants with a track record of delivering senior finance searches within Aviation, Private Equity, FMCG, Life Sciences, or Transportation sectors will be particularly well-suited to this position."

Sustain Talent is proud to represent a multi-award-winning executive search firm, headquartered near Liverpool Street in London, with a global reputation for delivering leadership and strategy appointments at the most senior levels. The firm partners with boards, CEOs, and investors to shape financial leadership across multiple industries and international markets.

As part of continued growth, the firm is seeking an experienced Executive Search Researcher to play a central role in the delivery of complex, high-impact financial leadership searches.

The role

This is a research-led, intellectually rigorous position requiring a high level of judgement, discretion, and commercial awareness. You will work in close partnership with senior Consultants and Partners, contributing meaningfully to search strategy, market intelligence, and candidate evaluation.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for cradle-to-grave executive search delivery, operating as a trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and senior executive candidates.

Key responsibilities

• Designing and executing global research strategies for retained executive search mandates
• Delivering end-to-end searches for senior financial leadership roles, including VP Finance, Finance Director, and CFO appointments
• Conducting deep market mapping and organisational analysis across multiple sectors and geographies
• Identifying, approaching, and assessing senior executives with discretion and professionalism
• Producing high-quality written materials, including longlists, shortlists, and market insight reports
• Building long-term relationships with executive talent and acting as an ambassador for the firm
• Contributing to thought leadership and ongoing knowledge development within the practice

Candidate profile

• Demonstrable experience within a retained executive search research function
• Proven delivery of senior financial leadership searches (VP to C-suite)
• Sector exposure to Aviation, Private Equity, FMCG, Life Sciences, or Transportation is highly desirable
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex organisational and leadership contexts
• Commercially aware, relationship-driven, and comfortable engaging at board and C-suite level
• Motivated by depth of work, influence, and long-term career development

Career progression & development

• Clear and structured career progression, with pathways into Senior Researcher, Associate, and Head of - level roles
• Ongoing exposure to board-level advisory work and strategic search assignments
• Opportunities to attend international client meetings, conferences, and global industry events as required
• Continuous learning through direct collaboration with industry-leading Partners

Rewards & benefits

• Highly competitive base salary: £50,000 - £70,000+, dependent on experience
• Performance-based bonus of up to 20%
• High level of autonomy and trust
• Flexible and hybrid working model
• Unlimited holiday allowance
• Collegiate, intellectually driven culture with global reach

Why this opportunity?

This role will appeal to an executive search researcher seeking substance, responsibility, and influence — with the chance to contribute meaningfully to leadership decisions at the highest level and build a long-term career within a globally respected search firm.

Apply for a confidential discussion